Operations Engineer

Operations Engineer Jobs in Kitwe – CEC Renewables

CEC Renewables is inviting applications for the position of Operations Engineer based in Kitwe, Copperbelt, Zambia. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead technical operations within the renewable energy sector, focusing on solar PV and associated power generation assets. If you are seeking operations engineer jobs in Kitwe that challenge your expertise and leadership skills, this full-time position could be the next step in your career.

Role Overview and Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Senior Engineer – Solar Operations, the Operations Engineer will provide technical leadership to multidisciplinary teams encompassing electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, SCADA, and contractor personnel. The primary objective is to maximize plant availability, optimize energy yield, ensure regulatory compliance, and uphold operational excellence.

• Lead daily operations of solar PV plants and related generation assets, ensuring safety, reliability, and efficiency.
• Monitor plant performance via SCADA, EMS, and other monitoring systems; initiate corrective measures as needed.
• Manage switching operations, commissioning, plant energisation, shutdowns, and restoration activities in line with approved procedures.
• Analyze performance indicators such as availability, performance ratio (PR), capacity utilisation factor (CUF), inverter efficiency, and energy losses.
• Conduct root cause analysis of equipment failures, operational incidents, and performance shortfalls.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve plant reliability and operational efficiency.
• Coordinate maintenance planning and execution, including preventive, predictive, and corrective activities with multidisciplinary teams.
• Manage maintenance contracts, service providers, spare parts inventory, and budgeting.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to technicians, contractors, and junior staff.
• Support commissioning and integration of new equipment and plant upgrades.
• Prepare detailed operational reports, dashboards, and performance analyses to identify optimization opportunities.
• Liaise with system operators, contractors, OEMs, regulators, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and compliance.
• Participate in audits, technical meetings, inspections, and regulatory engagements.

Candidate Requirements for Operations Engineer Jobs in Kitwe

Candidates applying for this position must demonstrate a strong technical background and leadership capabilities within the renewable energy or power generation sectors.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, or a related field.
• Membership with the Engineering Institution of Zambia (EIZ) and a valid practising license from the Engineering Registration Board (ERB).
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in power generation, renewable energy, utility operations, or industrial electrical systems.
• Proven experience operating and maintaining solar PV plants, substations, or power plants.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary technical teams effectively.
• Hands-on experience with SCADA systems, protection systems, power system operations, and performance analysis.
• Strong understanding of HV, MV, and LV electrical systems, including the ability to interpret electrical drawings and protection diagrams.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and data analytics skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Knowledge of asset management and maintenance planning systems is advantageous.
• Additional training in renewable energy systems, power systems, asset management, or project management will be considered a plus.

Application Details

This full-time opportunity is ideal for professionals eager to advance their careers in Zambia’s expanding renewable energy industry. Applications will be accepted until 3 July 2026. Interested candidates should apply online through the official CEC Renewables career portal.

Apply for the Operations Engineer position here